Page 137 of Angel

I’d drop Evangeline, then head home to find out how Roxy was.

She still hadn’t returned my call, which was vexing me no end.

When we got to the townhouse, I used my all-access card, opened the door, and shoved her through.

The burly Eastern European security guard I hired appeared, his name tag reading Pacek.

‘Sorry boss. She slipped out when I went to the bathroom.’

‘Anyone fucking care to raise an alarm and let me know?’ I growled as I prowled behind Evangeline towards the living room.

Pacek shrugged.

‘Figured she went for a walk and would be back soon.’

‘Mate, never assume when it comes to her.’

He took my gritted rebuke with a chin raise and exited, giving us privacy.

Evangeline was over to the marble bar pouring a massive glass of amber scotch.

She spun to me with a smug, glassy-eyed smirk.

‘I bumped into your little wife tonight,’ she sneered, swaggering. ‘I told her where to go.’

Rage surged through my veins.

‘You spoke to Roxy?’ I growled.

‘Yeah, I told her that you and I are meant to be. I might have mentioned other things, but I can’t remember.’

She slugged the drink and wandered away giggling.

I groaned, tamping down the urge to strangle Evangeline.

Pulling my phone from my tux pocket, I tried Roxy’s number again, but it went to voicemail. Dread hit me.

What had Evangeline said? What venom had she poured into my wife’s ear?

I eyed my former fiancée with pure fury as she slumped into an armchair, getting even more drunk with every second.

With a curse, I dialed Reese’s publicist, Di.

‘Angel?’ the woman answered, her voice competing with the gala chatter in the background. ‘Where did you and Roxy disappear to? The photographers are looking for you.’

‘Listen to me,’ I barked. ‘Evangeline is at my downtown townhouse. She’s unstable, and her drug dealer boyfriend is hunting her down.’

An intake of breath came over the line.

‘What?’

‘She’s also high as a kite, so you need to ring around right now and get her help,’ I growled. ‘Get your butt over here and fix this. Sending you the address now.’

A half hour later, the electronic lock chimed.

Di burst through the front door, her evening gown rustling as her eyes darted between Evangeline and me.

My ex lay sprawled on the sofa, off her head and singing to herself.